Unbeaten prospect Charles Martin did what he had to do on the non-televised ShoBox undercard on Friday in Cabazon, California, dispatching 41 year-old fattened-up super middleweight Damon McCreary late in the first round. I was able to find a youtube video of the last few seconds of the fight, and it appears that Martin caught McCreary coming in reckless, with a southpaw counter left hand high on the head. Martin pretty much had to win by stoppage inside of 2 rounds to avoid negative comparisons to Deontay Wilder and even cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell, both of whom took care of McCreary within 2. No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (290-503-503)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (48-48-48)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (33-377-377)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (33-44-108)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (41-41-41)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (48-141-218)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (7-32-52)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (7-163-226)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (32-36-98)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (32-108-108)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (32-43-242)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (10-242)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony ThompsonSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (10-90)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (10-71)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (10-19)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (10-72)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (5-5)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (4-25)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (4-10)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 3/?/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka was originally due back on January 31, but after signing with Al Haymon, it appears he’s pushed that back to a Showtime card in late March.19) Mike Perez (4-25)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin, but will stay busy against an unknown opponent on February 5.20) Alex Leapai (4-4)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:Saturday#8 Bermane Stiverne vs. #12 Deontay Wilder; Las Vegas, NV; ESPNIn the first major heavyweight fight of 2016, two rising stars with plenty of knockout power compete for the alphabet belt vacated by Vitali Klitschko and picked up by Stiverne in his rematch with Arreola. It’s being billed as the return of heavyweight title boxing to basic cable. It’s an interesting matchup with plenty of potential for fireworks.

Eric Molina vs. TBA; Las Vegas, NV; Off TVMolina has the distinct edge against TBA, who rarely wins, and never does so under his own name.

37 year-old whippersnapper Zoltan Csala won the battle of the Zoltans (sounds like a really bad sci-fi film, right?) in Budapest on Monday, lifting 48 year-old Zoltan Petranyi’s Hungarian title and halting the career momentum that remarkably had his ancient countryman in the top 50 for the first time in his career. Maybe it was as much opportunism as ability, but the 3rd round knockout gives Csala, at only 6-0, a real prospect and minor player on the world stage. No changes to the rankings.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (289-502-502)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (47-47-47)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (32-376-376)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (32-43-107)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (40-40-40)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (47-140-217)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (6-31-51)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (6-162-225)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (31-35-97)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (31-107-107)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (31-42-241)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (9-241)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony ThompsonSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (9-89)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (9-70)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (9-18)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (9-71)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (4-4)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (3-24)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (3-9)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (3-24)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (3-3)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:FridayCharles Martin vs. Damon McCreary; Cabazon, California; Off TVMartin is a rising prospect from St. Louis. McCreary has a decent enough record at 15-3, but it’s a very hollow 15-3. First, he’s really just a fattened-up super middleweight. He’s been in with Deontay Wilder and cruiserweight prospect Jordan Shimmell, but was blown out in 2 rounds by both. He did go the 6-round distance in an apparently competitive fight with unbeaten Ali Mansour, but Mansour hasn’t fought anyone before or since. At 41, he does have two decent wins in his career, but those were about 15 years ago and at light heavyweight or below. If Martin wants to make any kind of point with this fight, he’s gotta make a short night of it like Wilder and Shimmell did. Because of McCreary’s mediocrity, I am guessing this won’t make the ShoBox telecast.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (288-501-501)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (46-46-46)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (31-375-375)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (31-42-106)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (39-39-39)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (46-139-216)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (5-30-50)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (5-161-224)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (30-34-96)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (30-106-106)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (30-41-240)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (8-240)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (8-88)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (8-69)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (8-17)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (8-70)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (3-3)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (2-23)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (2-8)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (2-23)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (2-2)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:MondayZoltan Petranyi vs. Zoltan Csala; Budapest, Hungary; TV UnknownThe heavyweight year is capped off with a somewhat low-profile Hungarian Title fight between unproven 5-0 prospect Zoltan Csala and 48 year old Zoltan Petranyi, the ultimate late bloomer. And I’m not talking a guy who had a renaissance in his mid-30s and kept it going for a while. I’m talking a guy who did virtually nothing worthwhile in the sport until he was 47 years old and beat two consecutive top 100 guys to get into the top 50 himself. Csala is undefeated at 5-0 and probably the best available Hungarian, but marginally less proven than the last two. Csala, despite his record, is no spring chicken himself, coming in with 37 years under his belt.

Sergei Liakhovich seemed like fodder for the rise of #17 Andy Ruiz, a blue chip prospect despite his ridiculous obesity, but that didn’t really play out on Saturday in Phoenix. Ruiz was in terrible shape both in appearance and output. Liakhovich is not anywhere near the contender he was years ago. He was stopped by Helenius, then dominated and stopped by Bryant Jennings and knocked out in less than 2 minutes by Deontay Wilder in consecutive fights- his last three of any substance leading up to this. He didn’t necessarily look very good in this one either, often barely throwing any punches, but even when that was the case, Ruiz was visibly having trouble keeping up. Ruiz clearly won the first three rounds, and almost all of the rest of the fight was very close, but I scored it a draw personally. The judges were predictably slanted, with Gonzalo Valenzuela having it reasonable at 96-94, Chris Flores giving Ruiz every benefit of the doubt at 98-92, and Derek Zazuetta selling his judging soul to Ruiz at 99-91. Obviously it’s not a stretch to claim Ruiz won the fight, and it’s hard to feel too sorry for Liakhovich considering how little he did throughout the fight when just a simple consistent jab alone could have won it for him, but this is nevertheless the first dent in the Ruiz armor, and will seriously affect his standing here, if not elsewhere. For the record, if you gave either fighter all the debatable rounds, I think you could reasonably have had it anywhere between 98-92 for Ruiz and 97-93 for Liakhovich.

Backtracking to Thursday in Tokyo, a 5-8-2 fighter took Japanese Champion Kyotaro Fujimoto the 8-round distance on Thursday. That’s not a good look for a guy who theoretically is a prospect on the world stage, but it might not be that bad. First, he seems to have won every round. Second, his French opponent, David Radeff, appears to be one of those reasonably durable guys that only gets stopped by real punchers. Cruiserweight contender Youri Kalenga stopped him twice, and an unbeaten Armenian managed to get him out of there, as well. He’s at least gone the distance against everyone else.

Ruiz falls from the top 20 for the time being due to his poor performance. He’s still a real prospect in my eyes, but he’s just not as advanced as I once saw him. It may be that a little extra training is the only thing he’s lacking, but he was lacking it a great deal on Saturday. A clear win may have boosted Liakhovich back to prominence, but a debatable draw, not so much. He’s probably a low-30s guy at this point. Everyone ranked #18 and below last week advances (appropriately including Bryant Jennings, who himself easily handled Liakhovich), and Alex Leapai returns at #20 after only a one-week absence.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (287-500-500)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentKlitschko is officially fighting on April 25, and while his opponent is not as official, it’s widely believed that it will be Bryant Jennings.1) Tyson Fury (45-45-45)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentFury wants Klitschko and has a mandatory position for that fight at some point. He’ll be likely just staying busy on February 28 in London.2) Alexander Povetkin (30-374-374)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (30-41-105)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (38-38-38)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (45-138-215)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (4-29-49)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (4-160-223)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (29-33-95)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (29-105-105)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (29-40-239)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (7-239)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (7-87)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (7-68)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (7-16)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (7-69)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:Unknown16) Antonio Tarver (2-2)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (1-22)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.18) Artur Szpilka (1-7)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (1-22)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (1-1)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownTHE WEEK AHEAD: Merry Christmas!

#1 Tyson Fury on Saturday seemingly put his rivalry with the even more controversial Dereck Chisora to rest permanently. Going into the fight, there were many who believed an in-shape Chisora might be able to beat Fury, despite the clear decision a fat and lazy Chisora had dropped back in 2011. This time, Chisora came in at a respectable 241.5 lbs. That’s not absolutely tip-top shape for him, but it’s similar to his size against Helenius and Klitschko, and almost 20 pounds less than his first fight with Fury. All in all, you have to say he was ready for the fight at least in terms of weight. But if he was improved since the 2011 version of himself, you’d have to say Fury has improved a great deal more. Fury was able to control him virtually with nothing but the jab, and Chisora couldn’t remotely get inside to do any kind of work. Having been reduced to the occasional lunging attempt, Chisora finally gave up and retired in his corner after 10 one-sided rounds.

On the undercard, Eddie Chambers continued his very slow-burning comeback attempt by dropping and stopping 8-3 novice Dorian Darch in the 3rd round of a scheduled 8. The fight didn’t make the telecast, so that’s all I can tell you.

The proper ranking of Chisora as compared to Carlos Takam is very tricky. Neither guy has ever lost to anyone ranked below #2 unless that guy was still on his way to that ranking or higher. Both have beaten top 10 fighters. Takam’s triumph over Tony Thompson was a lot more recent than Chisora’s clear but stolen win over Helenius in 2011, though Helenius at #4 was ranked significantly higher than #9 Thompson. The rest of the resumes favor Chisora for quantity and Takam for quality. The deciding factor, though, is Takam’s comparatively recent success, and he therefore slips by Chisora to #6, despite his own recent defeat at a similar level. He did show a lot better against Povetkin than did Chisora against Fury, though.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (284-497-497)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: UnknownKlitschko plans to make his next defense in the Spring. Bryant Jennings has been mentioned. That sounds undeserved, until you hear the other name being mentioned- Shannon Briggs. Fury now has a mandatory position at some point, as well.1) Tyson Fury (42-42-42)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: UnknownFury’s win over Chisora was stunningly easy. Frankly he dominated by a lot more than did Vitali Klitschko when he met Chisora, and so the now eventually mandatory match-up with Wlad is looking more and more intriguing.2) Alexander Povetkin (27-371-371)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownPovetkin’s finishing skills were quite impressive, but it might be a bit worrisome that he was clearly getting outboxed by Takam for a good chunk of the fight. With the win, he now figures to eventually become the mandatory for the winner of Wilder-Stiverne. His team seems to want Tyson Fury, though, which would be amazing.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (27-38-102)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownAn easy stoppage win for Glazkov over Wilson will hopefully be a quick confidence boost after he struggled mightily against mediocre opposition last time around.4) Amir Mansour (35-35-35)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (42-135-212)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (1-26-46)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (1-157-220)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora looks to now rebuild from easily the worst performance of his career.8) Bermane Stiverne (26-30-92)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (26-102-102)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownDespite some scary moments with the much bigger relative novice Visinia, Cunningham ultimately took care of business.10) Tony Thompson (26-37-236)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (4-236)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (4-84)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (4-65)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownBad news for Arreola fans- he’s reportedly pulled out of a planned December 11 return due to an elbow injury. Elbow surgery is what he was trying to come back from in the first place.14) Malik Scott (4-13)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (4-66)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight: 12/13/2014- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)Teper will apparently be defending his European title against France’s Johann Duhaupas in Germany on December 13.16) Andy Ruiz (4-54)Last Fight: 10/25/2014- TKO1 Kenny Lemos (UNR)Next Fight: 12/20/2014- vs. Sergei Liakhovich (UNR)Ruiz has rescheduled his planned October fight with faded former contender Liakhovich for December 20.17) Bryant Jennings (4-19)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.18) Artur Szpilka (4-4)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (13-19)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez is reportedly working with famed trainer Robert Garcia.20) Alex Leapai (5-54)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownIt looks pretty clear now that Leapai’s win over Boytsov was more about Boytsov’s shortcomings than Leapai’s quality.

THE WEEK AHEAD:SaturdayJoseph Parker vs. Irineu Beato Costa Jr.; Hamilton, New Zealand; TV UnknownIf there’s one criticism you can’t lob at Costa, it’s that he’s not busy enough. He is back in against one of the world’s top prospects just 5 weeks after a lifeless performance against Christian Hammer in which he won zero rounds on any of the three cards. He had been undefeated to that point. But in no time flat, he’s embraced his new life as a travelling opponent. At least he might be the kind of guy that can give a beast like Parker some rounds.

Francesco Pianeta vs. Ivica Bacurin; Budapest, Hungary; Magyar TV (Hungary)I’ve previewed this fight before, back before it was postponed from a November date due to Pianeta getting a case of the flu. Here’s what I said then: Bacurin is a career-long journeyman who pretty much always loses to the guys you’ve heard of or soon will, and pretty much always beats the guys you’ll never hear about. Pianeta is the former. Unfortunately for Bacurin, he’s also a natural cruiserweight, while Pianeta is a big heavyweight. Hard to like the chances of the underdog in this one.

#11 Tomasz Adamek came into his all-Polish showdown with one-loss prospect Artur Szpilka looking for redemption after a beatdown at the hands of Vyacheslav Glazkov. What he found instead may very well be the end of his career- almost certainly so in terms of his career as a world-class heavyweight. Szpilka dominated most of the early rounds. Adamek willed his way to victory in a few of the mid-to-late rounds as Szpilka appeared to be sitting on his lead by dancing on the outside a little bit too much, but it was apparent virtually from bell to bell that Szpilka was the bigger, stronger, faster, quicker, and livelier of the two fighters. That leaves very little to Adamek’s benefit but heart, and though he used it to its full advantage, it simply wasn’t enough. I had it 96-94, as did judges Pawel Kardyni and Valerie Dorsett. Howard John Foster had it reasonably wider at 98-92. It’s hard to see a path to continued relevancy for Adamek, having lost consecutive fights to prospects that haven’t really looked all that impressive when fighting anyone but him.

In a fight that was only carried for 2 of its rounds plus highlights on Britain’s Channel 5, Eddie Chambers from all appearances chased around a terrified Brazilian in the rather tall Marcelo Nascimento for 8 full rounds. Nascimento was on the canvas several times, 3 of which were counted as knockdowns, and Chambers landed some nice right hands in the two rounds and change that I saw, though to be honest Nascimento may have gone down as much from tripping over himself trying to get away from Chambers as from any actual punch. Chambers was visibly frustrated at not stopping the Brazilian as had Joseph Parker earlier in the year, but had only himself to blame. Chambers looked amateurish in his pursuit, as he was completely unable to cut the ring. Lone judge and referee Bob Williams saw it 79-71, which means he must have found 3 rounds even when doing the math on the 3 knockdowns. I didn’t see the whole fight, and I would normally be critical of a judge punting on that many rounds, but it’s simply not right to ask one man to simultaneously do two jobs that require one’s full concentration to do correctly.

#3 Vyacheslav Glazkov stopped journeyman Darnell Wilson in 7th of a scheduled 10 on the Kovalev-Hopkins non-televised undercard. It seems that you had to have been there to see it, so that’s about all I can say about the fight.

In a match-up that, on paper, was worse than Glazkov-Wilson and Chambers-Nascimento and much worse than Adamek-Szpilka, but which was the only one to get any American TV coverage, #4 Amir Mansour took probably longer than expected to dispose of Fred Kassi, a woefully unproven 18-2 journeyman that did just enough to hang around with the much better, much more experienced Mansour. Kassi got a bit of hero worship from the broadcasters at NBC Sports despite losing every round pretty clearly, and was ultimately chopped down in the corner for a 7th round KO that was pretty scary in its viciousness.

A planned fight between Francesco Pianeta and Ivica Bacurin was canceled a few days before the fight due to Pianeta coming down with the flu.

Adamek falls from the top 20 despite his long resume, the positivity of which ended in 2012. Since then, he’s won by robbery against Steve Cunningham, been bludgeoned by Vyacheslav Glazkov (whom frankly I felt at the time was lucky to be in the top 20), and been outpointed by Szpilka, who was stopped by Jennings, a lower-tier member of the top 20 currently. Szpilka would debut higher, but gets stuck behind the man who beat him at #18. Everyone ranked #12-18 last week moves up a spot.

Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez was said to be planning a fight in Cork, Ireland in November, but I’m assuming that’s off since I’ve heard nothing about it in several weeks.20) Alex Leapai (2-51)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownIt looks pretty clear now that Leapai’s win over Boytsov was more about Boytsov’s shortcomings than Leapai’s quality.

THE WEEK AHEAD:WednesdayLucas Browne vs. Chauncey Welliver; Melbourne, Australia; Main Event PPV (Australia)A couple pudgy heavyweights meet up in this one from the undercard of Rabchenko-Mundine. Welliver is a reasonably competent journeyman and a very nice fellow who I have met and spoken to, but as long as Browne puts forth something close to a par effort, Chauncy doesn’t have the tools to compete with the visibly much stronger Australian. In recent years, Welliver, who legitimately loves paying sanctioning fees to compete for minor alphabet belts, has been outpointed by Kyotaro Fujimoto and Sherman Williams, though he did hold the latter to a majority decision that has to be considered somewhat impressive at that level. He also owns wins over an ancient Bert Cooper and an extremely washed up Rob Calloway within the last five years. The undefeated Browne dominated a rapidly declining James Toney over 12 rounds in 2013 and has since stopped two borderline top-50 gatekeepers and/or prospects in Richard Towers and Eric Martel Bahoeli, along with beating some lesser opponents.

SaturdayChamp Wladimir Klitschko vs. #5 Kubrat Pulev; Hamburg, Germany; HBO (US)The Champ defends against one of the worthier contenders of his reign against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. Despite a solid resume including borderline top 10 victories over Tony Thompson and Alexander Dimitrenko along with a slew of gatekeepers, I don’t know that many people give Pulev a great shot to upend the Champion. Still, he deserves his first shot about as much as anyone other than Tyson Fury at this point.

I’ve been completely unable to locate video for the intriguing match-up in Australia between #20 Malik Scott and #16 Alex Leapai, but news reports seem to reveal virtual certainty that it was a dominant boxing performance by Scott, and that Leapai wasn’t able to get much of anything done. Scores were 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. I have no alternative but to take that at face value and pass along that report as-is.

In Cuxhaven, Germany, gatekeeper Christian Hammer looked perfectly solid in dominating Brazilian lump Irineu Beato Costa, Jr. Costa looked like a caricature of Odlanier Solis for all 12 rounds, barely working at all, and plodding either slightly forward or, usually, slightly backward at all times. This allowed Hammer to look almost dynamic, which we pretty much know he’s not. Hammer capped the victory with a knockdown in the 12th on what was a balance issue for Costa, partially caused by an ordinary punch that landed just under the armpit. Costa thankfully wasn’t ranked in Boxrec’s top 50 nor mine, so Hammer doesn’t profit in the rankings from such a walk in the park. On the other hand, it has to do wonders for his confidence after the poor job he did in the Johnson fight.

Scott advances to #15 on the strength of the Leapai win. Despite two losses to good competition in Chisora and Wilder, he’s able to outpace the unbeaten Erkan Teper, due to the fact that Teper has yet to meet a top 20 opponent to match Glazkov or Leapai. Leapai hangs on to the top 20 by a thread, with his resume from the last 5 years just eking out supremacy over Ruslan Chagaev’s.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (280-493-493)Last Fight: 4/26/2014- TKO5 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: 11/15/2014- vs. #5 Kubrat PulevThe Pulev defense has now been rescheduled for November 15.1) Tyson Fury (38-38-38)Last Fight: 2/15/2014- TKO4 Joey Abell (UNR)Next Fight: 11/29/2014- vs. #6 Dereck ChisoraFury-Chisora II has been moved back a week, to November 29.2) Alexander Povetkin (23-367-367)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownPovetkin’s finishing skills were quite impressive, but it might be a bit worrisome that he was clearly getting outboxed by Takam for a good chunk of the fight. With the win, he now figures to eventually become the mandatory for the winner of Wilder-Stiverne. His team seems to want Tyson Fury, though, which would be amazing.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (23-34-98)Last Fight: 8/9/2014- W(MD10) vs. Derric Rossy (UNR)Next Fight: 11/8/2014- vs. Darnell Wilson (UNR)Glazkov is a late addition to the Hopkins-Kovalev undercard, where he will fight Darnell Wilson, a journeyman who was able to upend a compromised version of Juan Carlos Gomez a couple years ago.4) Amir Mansour (31-31-31)Last Fight: 4/4/2014- Robbery L (UD10) vs. #4 Steve CunninghamNext Fight: 11/8/2014 – vs. Fred Kassi (UNR)Mansour gets a stay-busy type fight against the unknown Fred Kassi, who despite a relatively attractive 18-2 record, has lost to the likes of Lionel Butler and Kendrick Releford, and has only fought 3 times since April 2010.5) Kubrat Pulev (38-131-208)Last Fight: 4/5/2014- RTD3 Ivica Perkovic (UNR)Next Fight: 11/15/2014- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoSee Klitschko’s notes, above.6) Dereck Chisora (38-153-216)Last Fight: 2/15/2014- UD12 Kevin Johnson (UNR)Next Fight: 11/29/2014- vs. #1 Tyson FurySee Fury’s notes, above.7) Carlos Takam (22-22-42)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.8) Bermane Stiverne (22-26-88)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: Unknown Date- vs. #13 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally signed. Details haven’t been finalized, but it’s apparently looking like mid-January in either Vegas or New York.9) Steve Cunningham (22-98-98)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownDespite some scary moments with the much bigger relative novice Visinia, Cunningham ultimately took care of business.10) Tony Thompson (22-33-232)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 11/22/2014- vs. #12 Odlanier SolisThe Thompson-Solis rematch has been postponed due to a Solis ankle injury, with a new date of November 22.11) Tomasz Adamek (22-237)Last Fight: 3/15/2014- L (UD12) vs. #18 Vyacheslav GlazkovNext Fight: 11/8/2014- vs. Artur Szpilka (UNR)Originally penciled in for October 18 in Lodz, it now appears that Adamek-Szpilka is destined for November 8 in Krakow.12) Odlanier Solis (22-232)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: 10/18/2014- vs. #10 Tony ThompsonSee Thompson’s notes, above.13) Deontay Wilder (26-80)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: Unknown Date – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.14) Chris Arreola (26-61)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: 12/11/2014- vs. Unknown OpponentArreola is scheduled to return from an elbow injury on December 11 in Temecula, California, but no opponent yet.15) Malik Scott (1-9)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.16) Erkan Teper (1-62)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTeper is rumored to be close to signing for a fight with 36 year old one-loss Polish prospect(?) Marcin Rekowski in December.17) Andy Ruiz (31-50)Last Fight: 10/25/2014- TKO1 Kenny Lemos (UNR)Next Fight: 12/20/2014- vs. Sergei Liakhovich (UNR)Ruiz has rescheduled his planned October fight with faded former contender Liakhovich for December 20.18) Bryant Jennings (9-15)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownReasonable minds can disagree on the correct result of Jennings-Perez. What’s clear, though, is that Jennings is not nearly ready for Klitschko, a fight some of his supporters have been proposing for a while now. He himself appears to want the Wilder-Stiverne winner, which might be more within his competency.19) Mike Perez (9-15)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: 11/?/2014 – vs. Unknown OpponentPerez was said to be planning a fight in Cork, Ireland in November, but I’m assuming that’s off since I’ve heard nothing about it in several weeks.20) Alex Leapai (1-50)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownIt looks pretty clear now that Leapai’s win over Boytsov was more about Boytsov’s shortcomings than Leapai’s quality.THE WEEK AHEAD: A busy Saturday:SaturdayFrancesco Pianeta vs. Ivica Bacurin; Stuttgart, Germany; SAT1 (Germany)Bacurin is a career-long journeyman who pretty much always loses to the guys you’ve heard of or soon will, and pretty much always beats the guys you’ll never hear about. Pianeta is the former. Unfortunately for Bacurin, he’s also a natural cruiserweight, while Pianeta is a big heavyweight. Hard to like the chances of the underdog in this one.

#11 Tomasz Adamek vs. Artur Szpilka; Krakow, Poland; PPV (Poland)Adamek is clearly slipping with age, but whether he’s fallen so far as to be vulnerable to a guy who went life and death with Mike Mollo on two occasions and lost to #18 Bryant Jennings remains to be seen.

Eddie Chambers vs. Marcelo Nascimento; Bluewater, England; Channel 5 (UK)Only in boxing will you see a faded American former contender fighting a Brazilian journeyman in England. Nascimento was last seen being stopped by Joseph Parker in April, but did manage to hurt the top prospect in the 6th, before Parker ended it in the 7th. Even as a lower-mid-level journeyman, Nascimento represents a significant step up from the downright shabby competition Chambers has been in with since his dominant decision loss to Thabiso Mchunu at Cruiserweight over a year ago.

#3 Vyacheslav Glazkov vs. Darnell Wilson; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Off TVGlazkov is in on short notice against journeyman Wilson on the Hopkins-Kovalev undercard. Wilson managed to beat Juan Carlos Gomez a while back, but only after Gomez was injured. Glazkov probably shouldn’t have much trouble in this one. The fact that the #3 Heavyweight in the world is toiling off TV probably tells you that he hasn’t yet gotten his full measure of respect, despite the relatively weak opponent.

#4 Amir Mansour vs. Fred Kassi; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; NBC Sports (US)This is a huge mismatch for a main event. Mansour is world-class through and through, and probably the most underrated fighter in the division. Kassi, while sporting a decent 18-2 record, has never beaten anyone decent. As for his two losses, he was comfortably outpointed by the very mediocre Kendrick Releford in 2010, and failed to win even the San Manuel Casino Heavyweight Championship when he fought for that honor in 2009 against journeyman Lionel Butler. He’s never been stopped, so I guess that’s just about the only intrigue in this fight with the hard-hitting Mansour.